A running charity in Salford has recently appeared on BBC News to talk about their “Couch to 5k” run.

The MileShyClub charity appeared on BBC News last Thursday (April 18) to promote their Couch to 5k event alongside the relaunch of the NHS Couch to 5k app.

Preparation for the charity’s next 5k run begins today (April 22) and is open for anyone who wants to get involved in running.

Founded in 2017 by Jane Dennison, the MileShyClub aims to help people get into exercise for the first time. The charity does this through running, walking and other exercises. The project achieved charity status in 2019.

The “Couch to 5k” run is a group activity that the charity completes three times every year. Dennison said: “It’s a nine week programme that includes three runs each week. This should take someone from not running at all to being able to run 5 kilometres”.

Training runs are completed by members in their groups or alone, with the final 5k run being completed by all members together.

The MileShyClub aims to improve the mental and physical health of the people of Manchester. Dennison set up the charity after discovering the benefits of exercise on her own health.

Dennison added: “Everyone I saw running looked like they were always having the best time, it was very beneficial for my mental health.”

The charity works in groups to make the runs a social experience for the members as well.

The charity has hundreds of active members across Manchester with three clubs based in the Salford area. They have clubs based in Swinton, Salford Quays and Worsley.

Dennison added: “We want to grow more in Salford, and we need people who are passionate about helping their community.”

Dennison also works with a separate charity called “Beyond Empower” who supports the rights of people with disabilities. The charity’s “Empower You” service helps people with disabilities that are looking to get involved in exercise.

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